Will water based poly blotch on cherry?

Hye guys, I was curious if waterbased poly would blotch on cherry or if blotching is attributed with oils only. I’m making a cherry shelf and have 2 finishes in mind:1.) GF EnduroVar (water based)2.)GF Arm R Seal (oil based) if i use this i’ll get Charles Neil’s Pre Conditioner.

If the clear coat has any tint it possibly could blotch. Blotching is usually only prevalent in softer woods. Definitely use a test piece of the same material to try the finishing technique you are planning on using. If it does blotch you can use a prestain which is essentially a clear coat greatly watered down with the appropriate thinner. You can also use shellac to seal it prior to your clear coat but this will tend to yellow a little giving a warmer feel. Shellac can be used under any finish and can be used over any fully cured finish as well.

thanks everyone. I guess a test piece is my only option. i knew i was going to anyways but i wasnt sure if water based finishes were better for blotch control. then again it’s wood, you never know what’s going to happen until you have it in front of you. side note: pros and cons to using Enduro var or Arm R Seal? Just curious

I think it’s a good idea to pre condition cherry with either Charles Neil or shellac to seal the grain, especially before a finish like poly. For one thing, it helps to keep the finish on top and not get sucked up repeatedly by untreated wood. This produces a more even finish.

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